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Top Countries with the Highest Fertility Rates in 2025
The global landscape of birth rates per woman continues to vary significantly, with certain nations experiencing notably high fertility levels compared to others. As of 2025, here are the countries leading the world in fertility rates, highlighting regions where population growth is most robust.
Niger Tops the List with a Remarkable 6.73 Births Per Woman
Niger maintains its position at the top of the fertility rate chart, recording an astonishing 6.73 births per woman. This high rate reflects persistent challenges related to healthcare access, education, and economic development. Niger’s population growth remains rapid, impacting both its economy and resource management.
Angola and Congo Follow Close Behind
Angola (#2) and DR Congo (#3) have fertility rates of 5.76 and 5.56 respectively. These countries are characterized by youthful populations and limited access to family planning services, which sustain high birth rates. The growth in these regions is projected to influence regional demographics for decades.
West African Nations with High Fertility Indicators
Benin (5.39), Chad (5.35), and Uganda (5.26) also feature prominently. Many West African countries are grappling with similar factors—low contraceptive prevalence and cultural factors—that contribute to elevated fertility levels. These nations are expected to witness continued population expansion in the coming years.
East Africa’s Rising Population Trend
Uganda, Somalia, and South Sudan demonstrate fertility rates exceeding 5.2. East Africa’s youthful demographic profile supports ongoing high reproductive rates, which will likely sustain population growth across the region.
Countries with Moderate to High Fertility
Moving further down the list, Mali (5.45), Benin (5.39), and Chad (5.35) exemplify parts of the continent where birth rates remain high. These countries face ongoing health and economic challenges that influence family size decisions.
Variations in Fertility Across Africa
Other notable nations include Burundi (4.96), Guinea (4.82), and Mozambique (4.74), which continue to record higher-than-average fertility rates. These figures highlight the diverse reproductive patterns across Africa, driven by cultural and socioeconomic factors.
Countries Showing Declining Fertility Trends
In stark contrast, some nations on the continent like Nigeria (4.57) and Sudan (4.54) are experiencing slight declines, yet their rates remain substantially high, indicating potential shifts influenced by urbanization and improving access to reproductive health services.
Middle Eastern & South Asian Regions with Elevated Rates
Afghanistan (4.53), Pakistan (3.39), and Yemen (2.91) stand out in the Middle Eastern and South Asian sectors. While their fertility rates are lower than sub-Saharan Africa, these figures still reflect significant generational growth.
Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rates in 2025
The trend towards lower birth rates becomes evident when looking at some of the world’s most developed nations. For example, the United States (1.84), Japan (1.39), and Italy (1.24) have rates below 2, pointing to aging populations and low growth or even decline.
Europe’s Demographic Shifts
European countries like Germany (1.58), France (1.90), and the United Kingdom (1.63) continue to face demographic challenges due to below-replacement fertility levels, prompting concerns about long-term population sustainability.
Asia’s Diverging Fertility Patterns
While South Korea (1.11) and Taiwan (1.09) have some of the world’s lowest fertility rates, neighboring countries like India (2.07) maintain relatively higher levels, influenced by differing cultural attitudes and policies.
Oceania & North America Exhibit Low but Stable Rates
Australia (1.73), New Zealand (1.86), and North American regions such as the United States Virgin Islands (1.98) display stable fertility figures, typically associated with developed, urbanized societies.
Future Outlook
High fertility rates in African nations suggest these countries will experience significant population growth, impacting global demographics and resource distribution. Conversely, declining rates in regions like Europe and East Asia pose challenges related to aging populations and workforce sustainability.
Understanding these trends is vital for policymakers and international development agencies to tailor strategies that address healthcare, education, and economic planning aligned with each country’s demographic realities.
Source: World Population Review, 2025
Note: The figures highlighted are estimates based on the latest available data, and actual rates may fluctuate due to policy changes, health interventions, and socioeconomic developments.
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